Introduction
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease caused by mutations in the
cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein which may
affect all mucus producing organs in the body (1). The survival of
patients with CF increased considerably by early diagnosis of disease,
enhanced monitoring and earlier recognition of deterioration of organ
function and detection and prompt treatment of airway infections (2).
Antibiotics are crucial components of CF management for prophylaxis and
suppression of chronic infections and treatment of pulmonary
exacerbations. Infections caused by pathogens such asStaphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa require
repetitive, aggressive, long term and broad-spectrum antibiotic
treatments either inhaled, oral or parenteral, to preserve lung function
(3). Besides, polypharmacy is common due to other systemic complications
of the disease including pancreatic enzymes, mucolytics, ursodeoxycholic
acid, proton pump inhibitors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs), bisphosphonates and many others (4-6).
Frequent exposure to drugs, especially antibiotics, might cause the
development of drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs), with both serious
health and economic consequences. In patients with cystic fibrosis, the
epidemiological studies concerning DHRs mainly pointed out beta-lactam
antibiotics. Nevertheless, there is conflicting data that some studies
reported a higher prevalence (28.8-61.9%) (7-9) and others studies
described similar results to general population (0.71-2.3%) (10-12).
Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate any suspected DHR in
children with cystic fibrosis to determine the prevalence of confirmed
DHRs and the culprit drugs and to analyze the risk factors that may
facilitate the occurrence of drug allergies. Also, we reviewed the
literature concerning the prevalence of DHRs in patients with cystic
fibrosis to investigate the subject further.